Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."
—Roger Caras (photographer and writer)
—Roger Caras (photographer and writer)
I love being
a gun dog handler! I get to meet some fabulous like minded people who have a
similar enthusiasm for the countryside and dogs. I would like to share this
privilege with my readers so I've decided to create an occasional profile page
of various friends, colleagues and trainers within the gun dog field which will
enable you to catch a glimpse of their passion and meet their incredible dogs.
This week my
first profile is a local gun dog handler, Jackie Davis, who owns Labrador Retriever
Baillie.
 |
| Jackie and Baillie |
This handsome
dog is 22 months old and his full kennel name is Fordcopse Baillie. He was bred
near Lymington and as the pups were born during the Olympics the litter were all named after members of the
GB team. Baillie is named after Olympic canoe slalom champion Tim Baillie!
Together with
Jackie's enthusiasm and Baillie's willingness to learn they have worked hard this year to progress within
the gun dog training field. Their achievements for Working Tests 2014 include:
URC Hants
& SW:1st Special Puppy, Arun &
Downland: 4th Special Puppy and Isle of Wight
Gundog Club Novice – Awarded ‘Keepers
Choice’
How did you
get into gun dog training Jackie?
It started
when I went to Fun4Dogs (http://fun4dogstraining.com)
obedience training class. Christine Walton suggested I had a go at the gun dog
training class so I went along and I’ve been hooked ever since!
Who inspires you?
Chris was the
person who got me started and as we've progressed I've started training with gun
dog trainer, Sarah Miles. She's such an inspiration and has raised the level
for me in many ways. Sarah is strict
within the training field and has high expectations. You have to keep
practising until you get it right. Sarah pushes Baillie and I beyond our
comfort levels which I enjoy and she always offers constructive feedback. The
training is related to positive re enforcement.
What’s the most memorable
moment in your gun dog journey so far?
Recently I
competed in a novice URC working test and I had to send Baillie for a blind
retrieve which was over a wall and up a long track and then at 45 degrees there
was a shot fired at the top of the hill and I was instructed to send Baillie
for the blind first and then the retrieve at the top of the hill. I was
convinced Baillie wouldn’t do it but to my utter amazement he did it! I was so
over the moon …the feeling was amazing, I was grinning from ear to ear for the
rest of the day J
Do you have any
pre-competition routines?
Yes, I give
Baillie some tripe in the morning and always walk him before the test. When I
get to the event I do a bit of heel walk and a few retrieves just to settle him
as he’s still quite young and can get excited before the
test.
What are your current
challenges with training?
Heel work..
It's my biggest challenge with Baillie. It’s never to o early to start your
heel work!
What advice would you give
to people wanting to get into gun dog training?
Just have a go! It’s a great excuse to spend
some time in the countryside with your dog and it can be very rewarding and
fulfilling.
And a final few words from
Jackie...
Baillie is the
first gun dog I have trained and I am very fortunate to have such a lovely dog. He's my constant shadow and makes my world
complete!
Many thanks to Jackie and Baillie for their time and Sarah Smith (www.purbeckpaws.co.uk) who supplied the photos.
It was great to hear about Jackie and learn of her journey. The pics of Baillie are fabulous and I love the professional look of the way you have set out your blog, Wendy. I'll look forward to the next!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol. It's great to follow their progress and Baillie is such a handsome dog! Watch this space for future profiles :-)
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